All I can say is I just replaced a starter on a Hustler 25hp KAW. The most simple for me was to
remove the cowling,flywheel,Stator and the sheet metal pan that the cowling bolts to. Then after you remove the starter bolts and wire connection out it comes.
In my case the starter was easy to take off but I could not pull it out. The only other option was to take off the hydraulic connections. I was not going there.

Thanks, I just got done. It wasn't that hard at all. Two bolts removed plus wire connection and out it slid easy as pie! I did have to disconnect one hydraulic hose to put the new starter in place. It took less than one hour!!!